Since the root of the problem lay with this young man, gaining his understanding was tantamount to gaining the Peerless Great Emperor's forgiveness.
However, Nangong Jun still didn't dare let his guard down. After departing from Jiang Chen's place in a wretched state, he immediately went to the Peerless Great Emperor to confess his mistakes.
The Peerless Great Emperor had clearly already heard about the reconciliation between the Nangong clan and Jiang Chen. He said flatly, "Nangong Jun, this Emperor does not enjoy seeking trouble, but neither does he fear it. Had this been two thousand years ago, you wouldn't even have had the chance to apologize today."
Nangong Jun nodded obsequiously, forcing a smile. "Yes, yes — the Great Emperor showed us mercy. My Nangong clan is endlessly grateful."
This was no mere empty courtesy. He genuinely felt that the Peerless Great Emperor had been remarkably lenient. Had it been a more ill-tempered Great Emperor, Nangong Ping would have been struck dead the first time around — there would have been no second opportunity for anyone to cause further trouble.
"Take your people and leave at once. This Emperor hopes your Nangong clan has the wisdom to let this matter end here."
Nangong Jun felt an immense weight lift from his shoulders and hurriedly swore, "It will absolutely end here!"
"Go." The Peerless Great Emperor waved his hand, a look of impatience crossing his face.
Only then did the Nangong clan slink away in disgrace. The clan elders were still shaken, secretly wiping cold sweat from their brows. Under the Great Emperor's overwhelming pressure, every member of the Nangong clan felt as though they had narrowly escaped with their lives.
Even Nangong Jun, a cultivator at the ninth level of the Imperial Realm, felt a profound sense of relief.
Jiang Chen watched the Nangong clan members disappear into the distance, then turned his gaze to the spirit beast that resembled a Cloud-Gulping Tiger. A flicker of delight crossed his eyes.
However, he knew that this successful extortion had been partly an act of borrowing authority — he had leveraged the Peerless Great Emperor's prestige. Like a fox borrowing a tiger's ferocity.
There was still some time before the next day's Bounty Stage began. Jiang Chen asked Lin Yanyu to look after the spirit beast and headed toward the Peerless Great Emperor's quarters.
All of the Bounty Stage champions resided in Pure Blaze Hall during the competition period.
"Ha ha, young fellow — I had a feeling you'd come." The Peerless Great Emperor showed no surprise at all upon seeing Jiang Chen visit, as though everything had unfolded exactly as he'd anticipated.
"This junior came specifically to thank the Great Emperor." Jiang Chen was not the type to accept a favor and pretend ignorance.
"Thank me for what? I don't believe for a moment that you're actually afraid of the Nangong clan."
"That it could be resolved this way, making the Nangong clan retreat of their own accord — that was entirely due to your authority, Great Emperor. This junior was indeed borrowing your prestige." Jiang Chen smiled.
"You little rascal." The Peerless Great Emperor let out an amused laugh. "Come — sit here."
The Peerless Great Emperor was clearly quite fond of Jiang Chen. A young genius who could stand as his equal on the Bounty Stage had obviously earned his respect.
Jiang Chen also understood that the Peerless Great Emperor's appreciation wasn't solely because he claimed to come from Myriad Abyss Island. Even before Jiang Chen had revealed his origins, the Great Emperor had already been treating him very well.
Jiang Chen sat down without any awkwardness.
Seeing Jiang Chen neither servile nor arrogant — perfectly composed and at ease in his presence, without any of the nervousness that a young junior was supposed to show — the Peerless Great Emperor quietly marveled.
"Young fellow, I've been observing you these past few days. On several occasions, when the Azure Phoenix Pill King couldn't resolve a bounty task, the problem was solved with ease once it reached you. Unfortunately, people love to rank by seniority, so alchemy assignments always go to the Azure Phoenix Pill King first, and your business suffers for it. But I've noticed you remain patient and unhurried — that sort of composure is truly rare."
The Peerless Great Emperor spoke first. But his words left Jiang Chen thoroughly astonished.
He hadn't expected that, even amid his busy schedule, the Peerless Great Emperor had been paying such close attention to his situation — and with such keen observation.
"Could it be that all the young talents from Myriad Abyss Island are this extraordinary?" There was no trace of suspicion in the Peerless Great Emperor's tone. Instead, it carried a hint of wistful admiration.
Jiang Chen felt somewhat sheepish and could only reply, "This junior has been fortunate. The alchemy knowledge I've acquired is considered top-tier even within Myriad Abyss Island."
The excuse was not particularly clever, but phrased this way, it was more readily accepted.
The Peerless Great Emperor nodded, his expression turning somewhat grave. Suddenly, he asked, "Young brother, Myriad Abyss Island is a legendary realm. There must exist alchemy masters there who surpass the level of a Pill Emperor, correct?"
Jiang Chen was taken aback. "Why do you ask, Great Emperor?"
"Tell me first — do they exist or don't they?"
After a moment's thought, Jiang Chen nodded. Although he didn't know for certain whether Myriad Abyss Island had such masters, a legendary realm of its stature would surely possess alchemy grandmasters at the Heavenly rank.